Human eosinophil-derived basic protein

Abstract

The present invention provides a human eosinophil-derived basic protein (EBPH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode EBPH. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding EBPH and a method for producing EBPH. The invention also provides for use of EBPH and agonists, antibodies or antagonists specifically binding EBPH, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of EBPH. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding EBPH for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of EBPH. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding EBPH.

1. A method for detecting a target polynucleotide in a sample, said target polynucleotide having a sequence selected from the group consisting of:
 1) the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, 
 2) the polynucleotide sequence complementary to 1), and 
 3) the RNA equivalent of 1) or 2), the method comprising: 
 a) hybridizing the sample with a probe consisting of at least 20 contiguous nucleotides comprising a sequence complementary to said target polynucleotide in the sample, and which probe specifically hybridizes to said target polynucleotide, under conditions whereby a hybridization complex is formed between said probe and said target polynucleotide, and 
 b) detecting the presence or absence of said hybridization complex, and, optionally, if present, the amount thereof. 
 
     
     
       2. A method of  claim 1 , wherein the probe consists of at least 60 contiguous nucleotides. 
     
     
       3. A method for detecting a target polynucleotide or fragment thereof in a sample, said target polynucleotide having a sequence selected from the group consisting of:
 1) the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, 
 2) the polynucleotide sequence complementary to 1), and 
 3) the RNA equivalent of 1) or 2), the method comprising: 
 a) amplifying said target polynucleotide or fragment thereof using polymerase chain reaction amplification, and 
 b) detecting the presence or absence of said amplified target polynucleotide or fragment thereof, and, optionally, if present, the amount thereof. 
 
     
     
       4. A method for screening a compound for effectiveness in altering expression of a target polynucleotide, wherein said target polynucleotide comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, the method comprising:
 a) exposing a sample comprising the target polynucleotide to a compound, and 
 b) detecting altered expression of the target polynucleotide.